A third generation Japanese American (Sansei) and native of Sacramento, California, Greg graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design in 1986. After graduation he worked as an exhibit designer for Herb Rosenthal and Associates in Los Angeles, later, for West Office Design Associates in San Francisco where he designed exhibits for national and international science museums.

In 1990 he moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington and Pratt Fine Arts Center to study sculpture and metal design. He served as a staff member of The Children's Museum, Seattle fabricating and maintaining exhibits. In 1991 he formed his own design studio, Kono Design.

In 2001 Greg began making paper and bamboo kites. His own family reunion, gave him the reason to make a kite, and was one of the first kites completed. In April of 2002 he was fortunate to discover a Japanese kite building workshop taught by master kite builders, Nobuhiko Yoshizumi and Scott Skinner at the Drachen Foundation in Seattle. Six months later he began working for The Foundation, developing traveling exhibits, updating their website, teaching and participating in kite building workshops, while continuing to develop his own kites and artwork.

Over the next three years, his creative visions took flight, creating some of the most charming and expressive flying art that the world has ever seen and yet to enjoy. To capture his tethered talents, don't miss this one man exhibition at Ballard's U-Frame It shop.

Dates: March 2nd to April 30th
Contact: Karol Priebe/gallery director
Gallery Walk Opening: March 12th, 6 to 9 pm, Open to the public

Bring an exciting element of Japanese culture to your classroom this spring. A part of daily life in Japan for more than 1000 years, Japanese kites come in all shapes and sizes. Kites are thought to be especially lucky for children and are flown each year on May 5th in celebration of Children's Day.

The Drachen Foundation, the East Asia Resource Center at the University of Washington, and the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center invite you to learn more about the art of Japanese kites at a special evening workshop.

Enrollment is limited to the first 20 K-12 educators to register. The workshop will be held at the Ballard U-Frame-It Store located at 5601 20th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107. Pre-registration is required. Please use the form below to register. Registration deadline: March 24, 2005.